2019 TCS New York City Marathon Sponsor

“We’re honored to have Stamford Health’s support for Team First Candle in this year’s marathon,” Jacobson said. “Their understanding of our mission to reduce sleep-related infant deaths and provide bereavement support is invaluable, as is the commitment of Dr. John Ciannella.”

John F. Ciannella, M.D. Director – Division of Neonatology at Stamford Health, serves on First Candle’s Board of Directors. He oversees newborn and premature infant care, treats neonatal emergencies, and oversees Stamford Health’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s Infant Clinical Evaluation (NICE) program, which tracks the progress of infants born with very low birthweight or less than 32 weeks gestation.

The sponsorship funding will go toward First Candle’s bereavement support program, including providing bereavement materials to hospitals and funeral homes, and staffing the organization’s grief line. It will also support First Candle’s outreach to communities on how following safe sleep guidelines can help prevent infant death.

“We also welcome runners to sign up for this year’s team,” said Jacobson. “Team First Candle runners are guaranteed entry to the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon, giving them the opportunity to help raise critical funds to educate parents, caregivers and community members on ways to reduce the rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death for babies up to one year of age.”

Runners who already have guaranteed entry in the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon may still run with First Candle. Instructions for joining the First Candle 2019 TCS New York City Marathon team are at www.firstcandle.org.

First Candle is a 501 (c)(3) committed to ending Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related infant deaths while providing bereavement support services for families who have lost a baby. Your donation will help support our bereavement program.